Principal - Founder & Artistic Director of Temple Academy of Performing Arts (TAPA)
Inspiring creativity, confidence, and excellence through the art of dance.

Hi, I’m Nicki, the proud Founder and Artistic Director of TAPA Temple Academy of Performing Arts. With over 30 years of experience in dance and performing arts, I’ve dedicated my career to nurturing talent, fostering creativity, and building a vibrant community where students can thrive.

My journey in dance began when I was 3yrs old and I was taken to my first ballet class. Instantly falling in love with dance, I continued my training through the years until graduating from London College of Dance as a fully qualified I.S.T.D teacher of Modern, Tap, Ballet. Heading straight into teaching I have spent the past 30 years sharing that love of dance with the next generation of performers. HIghlights include seeing my students go on to have successful careers in the performing arts industry, teaching and choreographing. Watching amazing performances at prestigious venues in London and Paris is always rewarding and makes me very proud to have our students always be so well received and admired at every event we attend. However, I take the most pride in the environment we create that gives these young people the opportunity to make life long friends, grow in confidence and learn skills that will benefit them in all areas of their life. This is repeated through the years seeing our ex students return with their own children to continue the magic.

At TAPA, we offer a comprehensive performing arts education, including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, acro, and musical theatre, competition and dance companies. I specialise in ballet, tap and modern, focusing on technique, artistry, and building confidence in every student.

I believe in creating a supportive and inspiring environment where students not only learn to dance but also develop life skills like discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

Dance is more than just movement; it’s a way to express yourself, build confidence, and connect with others. At TAPA, my mission is to provide a space where students feel valued, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential.

When I’m not teaching or choreographing, you’ll likely find me with my 2 dogs Otis and Bayley going for long walks or doing some dance classes for myself. I also enjoy a bit of karaoke!!

If you’re looking for a dance school that feels like home, I’d love to welcome you to TAPA! Explore our classes, meet our team, and join our thriving community. Feel free to reach out at enquiries@templeacademy.co.uk

ISTD Ballet • ISTD Modern • First Steps

Miss Sophie trained at London College of Dance, graduating in 2000 with a 2:1 BA (Hons) Dance.

Whilst at college Sophie also completed her ISTD teaching training qualifications, receiving her ISTD Associates in Ballet, Modern and National Dance.  

After leaving college Sophie continued her professional development and completed the ISTD's Certificate in Dance Education. 

Sophie has been teaching children from a very young age, starting with assisting classes at the age of 14.  Over the years she has taught in many different settings, gaining valuable experience from each.  These include, Primary & Secondary Schools, Further Education Colleges, and various private dance schools & studios.  

Sophie joined TAPA as a teacher in 2002, although her association with the school came long before that, as a pupil of the previous Principal, alongside Miss Nicki.  

During her time with TAPA Sophie has taught Ballet, Modern & National Dance classes, choreographed for numerous shows and performances and entered hundreds of children for their examinations.  A particular highlight has been guiding a student from her time with us (beginning aged 2) to become a Junior Associate at The Royal Ballet School.  This beautiful young dancer is now enjoying life as a full-time student at White Lodge.

Sophie's true passion is for Ballet, and in particular ensuring that a naturing environment with a solid technical basis, is at the start of every young dancer's journey.  It is no secret that Baby Ballet is Miss Sophie's happy place!

Alongside teaching dance, Sophie enjoys nothing more than a to-do list and a good bit of organisation!  Following college, she worked at The Place - London Contemporary Dance School, in the Finance department, and most recently at The Royal Ballet School, on the Affiliate Training & Assessment Programme.  Both roles provided valuable experience and insight which has allowed us to modernise and enhance systems within TAPA. 

TAPA Theatre Company Director

Bex has had a passion for singing and performing from a very young age, with her mother noting she began singing at just two years old. She began to pursue her training more seriously at the age of 12, joining a choir and competing in singing and dance festivals across Kent.

At 16, Bex commenced her professional training at The BRIT School, before going on to complete a three-year diploma in Performing Arts at The Urdang Academy.

Following her training, Bex secured representation and, after a series of auditions, landed her first professional role as a Swing in Priscilla Queen of the Desert (UK Tour).

She has since gone on to perform in a range of productions. Her theatre credits include covering the roles of Elphaba and Nessarose in Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre, West End), and Anna in Disney’s Frozen (Theatre Royal Drury Lane, West End). She has also appeared as Lucy in Godiva Rocks and Maid Marion in Robin Hood at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry.

In addition to her stage work, Bex has performed on television, including appearances on Strictly Come Dancing (BBC) and Britain’s Got Talent (ITV), and has featured as a soloist on Friday Night is Music Night (BBC Radio 2).

Bex is thrilled to be part of the TAPA team and looks forward to inspiring and supporting the next generation of performers as they develop and shine.

Jazz Technique • Lyrical/Contemporary • Competition Team • Stretch & Conditioning

Leonie started studying dance and gymnastics from a very young age, and began to take dancing seriously at the age of 12 when she joined TAPA!

At 16, Leonie took her dance A-Level at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance.

Her formal training began at 18 when she was accepted onto the BA(Hons) in Theatre Dance course at London Studio Centre, specialising in contemporary dance. She was also a part of the performance team, performing at Move it and in various showcases around London!

After three years of intense training, with industry professionals, she graduated with a first class honours degree!

Since graduating Leonie has been teaching dance full time at dance schools in and around South-East London, spreading her love of dance to the younger generation of dancers and adult learners.

Pointe • Senior Ballet • PBT • Adult Ballet

Miss Georgina has been with TAPA 2019 and brings along a lifetime of ballet knowledge. She began dancing at the age of 3 and was chosen to attend The Royal Ballet School -White Lodge- at the age of eleven!! 2 years later, she was selected to perform as Clara in The Nutcracker with The Royal Ballet Company.

Whilst at school, Miss Georgina featured extensively alongside Darcey Bussell in a Dorling Kindersley book called “The Young Dancer”.

After graduating with honours, she went on to dance for 10 years with the Hamburg Ballet Company, touring the globe and taking on many lead roles in well-known ballets. She has danced in many world famous theatres and has worked closely with renowned choreographers including John Neumeier (appearing in several ballet film productions), Christopher Wheeldon, Mats Ek and Jiri Kylian.